Ep 8. Unplugged

The New Normal season 1 episode 8, titled "Unplugged," follows the lives of a modern family as they navigate the complexities of surrogacy, same-sex parenting, and the challenges of fitting in. The episode centers around the family's decision to unplug from technology, in an effort to spend more quality time with each other.

After noticing how much time they spend on their phones and computers, Bryan and David decide to challenge themselves and their family to spend a week without any technology. At first, they approach the challenge with enthusiasm, but they quickly realize just how addicted they are to their devices.

The lack of screens leads to some hilarious misunderstandings and mishaps. At one point, Shania tries to use a rotary phone and has no idea how to make it work. Meanwhile, Rocky struggles to entertain himself without his usual television shows and video games.

As the family adjusts to their new lifestyle, they discover the joys of spending time together without distractions. They go on hikes, play board games, and even start a garden. However, the challenge also highlights some of the underlying tensions in their relationships.

Bryan and David struggle to communicate without their usual text messages and emails, and Shania feels disconnected from her friend who is constantly texting her. Meanwhile, Jane starts to feel left out as she sees how close Bryan and David are with their son and their surrogate.

As the week goes on, the family learns valuable lessons about the importance of face-to-face communication and being present in the moment. They also realize that they don't need technology to have fun and connect with each other.

Overall, "Unplugged" is a heartwarming and relatable episode that addresses the challenges of modern technology and the importance of family time. It provides a fresh perspective on the joys and struggles of parenthood in the 21st century and showcases the diverse and dynamic characters that make up this modern family.